News

Verdict due on future of historic Barnet Court House

Barnet’s oldest court house could be converted into flats if developers have their plans approved this week.

The Barnet Court House, built in High Barnet High Street in the early 1900s, would be transformed into nine flats and two commercial units under proposals submitted by builders RLH Ltd.

Members of Barnet Council’s planning committee will assess the application on Wednesday evening but planning officers have already recommended the development for approval.

The historic property was recently listed as a building of local importance and neighbours have objected to the plans.

Opponents fear the amendments would create an eyesore and say the additional homes could cause parking issues, while one neighbour told the council the development would be “a crime against aesthetics”.

Local campaign group the Barnet Society fought plans last year by the same developers to demolish the Victorian building.

They say the current plans, proposing conversion instead of demolition, would vindicate their campaign if they are approved.

English Heritage was also consulted on the potential change and despite recognising the buildings' “local importance”, the organisation said it “falls short of the special architectural interest in a national context needed to qualify it for designation”.

The plans will be assessed during a meeting at Hendon Town Hall beginning at 7pm on Wednesday.